September Athlete of the Month || Katie Alfsen!

Each month we spotlight a different CFA athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are. What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month? It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, Rx’s every WOD, or gets a PR every time they walk in the gym. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, gives their best every time, and then gives a little more. They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. They support their fellow classmates and encourage them to reach their goals. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit Austin Community should be about.

Our September Athlete of the Month is Katie Alfsen! Katie joined CFA in May this year, but has very quickly become a part of the family! Katie came to us with some experience, but she is so eager to continue learning and growing as an athlete. She’s not afraid to try anything and when she does, she gives it all she has! Lately, she’s been putting more of her focus into weightlifting so she can compete in her first meet this month! Katie is always a friendly face to everyone who comes into the gym and we’re so happy to have her with us. She exemplifies so many of the qualities we look for in an AOM and has found a place both in our hearts and in our community. Katie, the CFA Team is proud to honor you as our September Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this team. Thanks for your all your hard work and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years to come! Congratulations!

 

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Katie

Words to live by?
Be Strong in all you do!

What is your fitness background?
College Softball

How long have you been CrossFitting?
Almost 4 months at CrossFit Austin, but had some experience prior.

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit…..how did you feel?  How do you compare it to workouts today?
The first day of any new activity is never easy and I was sick on top of that!  It was so hard to complete that first workout being relatively out-of-CrossFit-shape and feeling crummy compared to workouts now.  I am very proud of the changes I have seen in my body (I was 113lbs and I’m currently 123lbs!) and I don’t ever wanna go back where I was before.  I feel healthier and stronger; what a great feeling to have!

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
Lifting weights as it is a singular challenge that I can overcome in just a short period of time which gives me a lot of confidence.

Current Training Goals/PRs?
I hope to improve my technique and skill sets as that will help me in my first competition coming up this month.  After that, I want to continue gaining muscle weight and improve my PRs.

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
As I stated previously, BE STRONG IN ALL YOU DO!  One step at a time and do it on your own schedule without having to force yourself.   Doing too much too soon will take the fun out of it. Take a break if your body tells you to but make sure you jump right back in after as making up lost ground is a major bummer!  Try not to go longer than a few days as I’ve missed a week and a half once throughout my fitness journey and quickly learned that it was way too long. Also, take some selfies from the very first day and then on the same day of the week thereafter.  Seeing changes in your body, whether small or large, as you go will remind you why you are fighting through the pain and sweat and will boost your mental and physical energy in every workout.

What is your cheat meal go to?
Pizza & Sour Beer!!!

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
Running after multiple infants and toddlers at work requires all of the fitness I can muster!

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
When I completed my WOD and maxed out on my PRs.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?
Given that I am deaf, communication will always be my biggest challenge.  If I can’t clearly see the Coaches speaking I have a very difficult time understanding everything they say.  This situation is especially true when it comes to technique instruction of which I consider most important.

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
Silent but Deadly!  ☺

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?
Knowing how guilty I will feel about not following my own “Words to Live By” and how disruptive missing time would be to my body and my progress.  I’ve come this far so I have to just dive in and get it done. And when I’m finished I’m rewarded by physically feeling great and mentally feeling proud that I didn’t let the temptation of Pizza & Sour Beer make me stray from my mission

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
I love to hike, swim, snowboard and travel with my Chocolate Lab Brat Mazie.  I live for challenging outdoor adventures.

Tell us something we don’t know about you….
AlllllllllllaBAMA!!!  Roll Tide Roll!

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
If they decide to design that WOD I suggested don’t be behind me! ☺

 

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